Knece convicted Shepard of the charges, as well as an accompanying gun specification, in the
Oct. 12 shooting death of Rodney Metcalfe, 43, at his home at 26720 Immel Rd. southwest of
Circleville.

Charges of aggravated murder, murder and theft against Shepard were dismissed in a plea
agreement with prosecutors.

The alleged gunman in the slaying, Brent A. Cox, 32, of Circleville, is scheduled to go on
trial on April 16 on charges including aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, said Matthew O’L
eary, an assistant prosecutor.

Authorities said Metcalfe was shot in the back of his head while opening the rear door to his
home and robbed of cash and illicit drugs.